Section summary: Integration of monitoring techniques

Abstract

Techniques for monitoring deforestation and associated changes to forest carbon stocks are widespread and well published. In contrast, techniques for monitoring forest degradation are relatively untested in developing countries despite their inclusion in UNFCCC REDD+ negotiations. In the Mekong countries, forest degradation may contribute a substantial portion of the total carbon losses from forests. There is a critical need to assess approaches for monitoring forest degradation, particularly at the subnational level. One potential obstacle in assessing monitoring approaches for the region is the lack of consensus on the definition of forest degradation. In addition to a common definition, management objectives must be determined, i.e. what desired threshold of degradation needs to be detected. Monitoring approaches should recognize common themes among countries regarding drivers of degradation, while taking into account the unique circumstances of each country, especially in regard to capacity for operationalizing any recommended protocols.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the international workshop on monitoring forest degradation in Southeast Asia

Citation

Kiyono, Yoshiyuki; Turner, Rick. 2013. Section summary: Integration of monitoring techniques. In: Mortenson, Leif A.; Halperin, James J.; Manley, Patricia N.; Turner, Rich L., eds. Proceedings of the international workshop on monitoring forest degradation in Southeast Asia. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-246. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 35-37.